Congress-Vienna-2026-Liberal-Personalities

Paddy Ashdown

Former Liberal Democrats Leader | United Kingdom

"We achieve more together"

A British liberal politician and influential internationalist, Paddy Ashdown played a defining role in shaping modern liberal politics in the United Kingdom and in European peacebuilding efforts. As Leader of the Liberal Democrats (1988–1999), he became the first to lead the newly formed party and transformed it into a stable and credible third force in British politics.

Ashdown served as a Royal Marine officer and later as a diplomat before entering politics, developing an early focus on international affairs and security. As party leader, he strengthened the Liberal Democrats’ electoral base and positioned the party as a voice for constitutional reform, international cooperation and progressive domestic policy. After leaving Parliament, he served as High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina (2002–2006), where he played a central role in post-war reconstruction, strengthening state institutions and supporting long-term stability in the Western Balkans.

Known for his energy and commitment to public service, Ashdown combined military experience with political leadership in a way that shaped both domestic and international liberalism. His legacy continues to inspire liberals across Europe as a defender of democracy and international responsibility.

Hans van Baalen

ALDE Party President | Netherlands

"Freedom must be defended"

A Dutch liberal politician and committed internationalist, Hans van Baalen played a leading role in shaping the liberal response to a period of growing geopolitical instability in Europe. As former ALDE Party President (2015–2021), he worked to strengthen liberal unity across Europe and expand the movement’s influence in response to rising authoritarian pressure at Europe’s borders.

Van Baalen began his political career in the Dutch House of Representatives for the VVD in 1999, where he focused on foreign affairs, defence and European policy. He later served as a Member of the European Parliament and led the VVD delegation from 2009 to 2019, consistently advocating for a more assertive European foreign policy. A firm supporter of Ukraine and the Eastern Partnership countries, he was a leading voice in the European Parliament following the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine, and strongly backed EU sanctions against Russia.

Known for his energy, optimism and ability to build political bridges, van Baalen’s legacy continues to inspire liberals across Europe as a defender of open societies and a strong, outward-looking European Union.

Willy De Clercq

ALDE Party President & Former European Commissioner | Belgium

"Europe must remain open"

A Belgian liberal politician and key architect of Europe’s modern liberal movement, Willy De Clercq played a major role in shaping the liberal agenda within both Belgian politics and the European Union. As former ALDE Party President (1981–1985), he worked with liberals across Europe to promote a shared commitment to open markets and European integration.

De Clercq served as Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Foreign Trade, where he became known for his strong pro-European and pro-trade stance. He later served as European Commissioner for External Relations and Trade (1985-1989), where he worked to advance Europe’s global economic role and promote openness in international trade during a period of rapid global change.

He was also a long-serving Member of the European Parliament (1989-2004), reinforcing the liberal voice within European institutions over several decades. De Clercq's legacy of political pragmatism and calm negotiating continues to inspire liberals across Europe to champion free trade and a stronger European Union.

Colette Flesch

ALDE Party President | Luxembourg

"Equality strengthens democracy"

A Luxembourgish liberal politician and pioneering figure for women in European public life, Colette Flesch played a defining role in both national and European liberal politics. As former President of the ALDE Party (1985–1990), she drew on the discipline and fair play ethos of her international fencing career, including three Olympic appearances and being named Sportswoman of the Year in 1967, to promote constructive cooperation among liberals across Europe.

Leaving Luxembourg during the Nazi occupation and returning after liberation, Flesch went on to serve as a Member of the European Parliament and Luxembourg’s Chamber of Deputies for more than four decades. She became the first female Mayor of Luxembourg City (1970–1980), later serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Economy, where she advanced key liberal reforms including the abolition of the death penalty, the liberalisation of abortion and stronger women’s rights.

Known for her directness and pragmatism, Flesch became a role model for generations of women entering politics. Her legacy continues to inspire liberals across Europe as a trailblazer for gender equality and democratic responsibility.

Hans-Dietrich Genscher

Former German Foreign Minister | Germany

"Freedom is indivisible"

A German liberal politician and defining figure of European diplomacy during the Cold War, Hans-Dietrich Genscher played a central role in shaping Germany’s post-war foreign policy and Europe’s path toward reunification. Serving as Germany’s Foreign Minister from 1974 to 1992 and Vice Chancellor for most of that period, he was one of the longest-serving foreign ministers in modern European history.

Genscher was a key architect of West Germany’s policy of détente, working alongside others to ease tensions with the Eastern Bloc and strengthen dialogue across the Iron Curtain. During the collapse of communist regimes in 1989, he became internationally known for his intervention at the German Embassy in Prague, where he announced to thousands of East German refugees that they would be allowed to leave for the West. He later played a decisive role in the Two Plus Four negotiations that enabled German reunification and helped secure Germany’s post-Cold War borders.

Known for his pragmatic diplomacy and commitment to dialogue, Genscher embodied a style of liberal politics built on negotiation rather than confrontation. His legacy continues to inspire liberals across Europe as a politician who helped bridge East and West and laid key foundations for a united Europe.

Uffe Ellemann-Jensen

Former ALDE Party President | Denmark

"Europe only works when we commit to it"

A Danish liberal politician and influential voice in European foreign policy, Uffe Ellemann-Jensen played a major role in shaping Denmark’s international outlook during the final years of the Cold War. As a former President of the ALDE Party (1995–2000), he used his outspoken style and political energy to push liberal parties across Europe toward a more assertive and values-driven international agenda.

Ellemann-Jensen served as leader of Denmark’s Liberal Party, Venstre (1984–1998) and as Denmark’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (1982–1993). As a passionate advocate for NATO and European unity, he urged smaller nations to actively defend democratic values and help shape international affairs rather than hide behind the superpower entities. During the collapse of the Soviet Union, his leadership ensured Denmark acted as a diplomatic actor with Baltic states, earning him respect in the region.

Known for his charisma due to his previous experience as a journalist, Ellemann-Jensen brought energy and conviction to public life. His legacy continues to inspire liberals across Europe as a champion of freedom, internationalism and a strong diplomatic voice in the world.

Gaston Thorn

First ALDE Party President & Former European Commission President | Luxembourg

"Europe is our future"

A Luxembourgish politician and committed European liberal, Gaston Thorn was one of the leading advocates of European integration during the post-war rebuilding of Europe and the period of economic stagnation in the 1970s. As the first President of the Federation of European Liberal and Democratic Parties, today's ALDE Party, he helped unite liberal parties across Europe around a shared vision of democratic cooperation.

Thorn went on to serve as a Member of the European Parliament (1959-1969), Prime Minister of Luxembourg (1974-1979), President of the United Nations General Assembly (1975-1976) and President of the European Commission (1981-1985). Across these roles, he worked to strengthen cooperation between Member States and supported a more united and influential Europe on the world stage.

His legacy continues to inspire liberals across Europe as a champion of internationalism, democratic values and European unity, helping to lay the foundations for the liberal movement at the European level that we see today.

Simone Veil

First President of the European Parliament | France

"Europe is a necessity"

A Holocaust survivor, iconic French politician and fearless advocate for human rights, Simone Veil was one of the most respected political figures in modern European history. In 1979, she made history as the first woman to serve as President of the European Parliament and the first President elected by direct universal suffrage. Her early life was shaped by survival in Auschwitz, and she dedicated her public life to ensuring that such atrocities could never be repeated.

Veil became a central figure in modern French liberalism. As France’s Minister of Health, she championed the landmark “Veil Act” of 1975, legalising abortion in the face of intense opposition, including deeply personal and antisemitic attacks. She also advanced major humanitarian reforms in France’s justice system and served as a leading voice in the Liberal and Democratic Reformist Group in the European Parliament, predecessor of Renew Europe.

Veil’s authority extended beyond formal office as she was regarded in France as a figure of rare moral consensus across political divides. She became one of the defining ethical voices of post-war Europe. Her legacy continues to inspire liberals across Europe as a trailblazing champion of gender equality and a deeply democratic EU.

Heide Schmidt

Founder of the Liberal Forum | Austria

"Freedom is never a given"

Austrian liberal politician Heide Schmidt played a defining role in reshaping Austria’s political landscape through the creation of a modern liberal movement. As Founder of the Liberal Forum (1993), she established the country’s first major liberal party focused on civil rights, democratic values and social liberalism.

Schmidt served as the Third President of the Austrian National Council (1990–1994), one of the highest parliamentary offices in Austria. As Founder of the Liberal Forum (1993), she established the country’s first major liberal party focused on civil rights, democratic values and social liberalism. Under her leadership, the new party quickly entered the Austrian Parliament and helped redefine the country’s liberal political space.

Known for her willingness to break with party orthodoxy, Schmidt became a pioneering figure for liberal politics in Austria. After leaving frontline politics, she continued her work in promoting civic engagement. Her legacy continues to inspire liberals across Europe as a champion of political courage.